HOSSACK NAMED TO NLL ALL-ROOKIE TEAM

Sep 28, 2016

(September 28, 2016)… Rochester Knighthawks defenseman Graeme Hossack was named a member of the National Lacrosse League’s All-Rookie team Tuesday night at the league’s annual Season Awards Night Ceremony.

Hossack joined fellow first-year standouts Randy Staats, Jesse King, Lyle Thompson and Chad Tutton of the Georgia Swarm and Wes Berg of the Calgary Roughnecks on the All-Rookie Team.

“I am honored. It’s an elite group of guys who are on that list,” said Hossack. “It shows that I was recognized for the effort I put into playing this year.”

Hossack is the seventh Knighthawks player named to the NLL All-Rookie Team and the first since Stephen Keogh and Johnny Powless were recognized in 2012.

The 24-year-old, who hails from Port Perry, Ontario, was the second overall pick by the Knighthawks in the 2015 NLL Entry Draft. His impact on the team was immediate as the athletically-gifted defender showcased his speed and strength in his pro debut on Jan. 9. He also showed off his scoring touch by netting his first two professional goals on opening night.

“He lived up to the expectations and then some,” said Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen. “Getting a couple goals there early in his career was real nice. He just kept getting better every game.”

In 2016, Hossack played in all 18 games and finished second in the NLL in loose balls among rookies with 91. He also led the team with 21 caused turnovers to go along with five points. At the conclusion of the season, he was named the Knighthawks Rookie of the Year. Hasen, who was a Hall of Fame defenseman, was impressed with the way Hossack handled situations on the floor with maturity and poise.

“The biggest things were his composure and demeanor. He was steady,” he said. “He adapted well and listened to the guys. Nothing seemed to phase him much, which is good to see from a rookie.”

Hossack burst onto the NLL scene after an impressive collegiate career at Division II Lindenwood University. In 2015, he became the first player from Lindenwood to be selected as a First Team All-American. He also earned ECAC Specialist of the Year honors in 2014 and 2015 and garnered First Team All-ECAC three times (2013-15). In 2013 and 2014, he earned Team MVP honors.